Last month I asked you to call or email our Congressional delegation to educate them about your feelings regarding federal funding for public broadcasting. Many of our Central Illinois viewers did just that, and the impact of your calls, letters and emails is being felt. Thank you for responding so quickly and so effectively, it does make a difference.

The saga continues as the Senate and House try to arrive at a mutually agreeable spending plan, so now is not the time to stop the contacts. It is more important than ever that Congress keep hearing what you feel is important to you. For more information on the issue, please go to www.wtvp.org and click on the 170MillionAmericans.org link. Below are the numbers for reaching Representatives Schock, Johnson, and Schilling, and Senators Durbin and Kirk. Links to Senators Durbin and Kirk's websites can also be found at wtvp.org.

Adam Kinzinger (R, IL-11th) (202) 225-3635

Aaron Schock (R, IL-18th) (202) 225-6201

Timothy Johnson (R, IL-15th) (202) 225-2371

Bobby Schilling (R, IL-17th) (202) 225-5905

Richard Durbin (D) Illinois (202) 224-2152

Mark Kirk (R) Illinois (202) 224-2854

For the record, WTVP is licensed to the Illinois Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation (IVPTC), a community owned 501c3 not-for-profit organization that is made up of community representatives from throughout Central Illinois. IVPTC is not owned or operated by any university or state-owned entity.

Now that April is here can the WTVP Auction be far behind? This year's auction is scheduled for April 28 through May 1 on air. There will be a separate online auction at www.wtvp.org beginning April 11 and continuing through May 1. We welcome your participation and invite your bids. Further information can be found throughout this issue of the WTVP Program Guide.